Pup O’Clock: A Unique Pittsburgh Startup for Kids and Pets

A Pittsburgh-based company, Pup O’Clock, merges children’s education, pet care, and community involvement. Founded by Brian Manni, this innovative startup offers monthly themed subscription boxes. Each box aims to teach children responsibility through interactive activities focused on pet care.

Inspiration Behind Pup O’Clock

The concept of Pup O’Clock was born from a trend noticed post-COVID-19 pandemic. Many families adopted dogs but faced challenges managing pet care responsibilities. “I wanted to give kids a tool to adopt responsibility,” Manni explained. Dog ownership can foster consistency, discipline, sacrifice, and patience, valuable traits for a meaningful life.

Community Impact and Personal Journey

Influenced by Manni’s personal recovery journey, the company supports programs like Autism Pittsburgh and Joey’s PAW. Proceeds assist animal shelters and human-animal bond initiatives. “Starting this company mirrored my sobriety journey,” Manni shared. The approach includes giving back to shelters and special needs organizations, highlighting the positive impact between kids and pets.

Educational Subscription Boxes

Each Pup O’Clock box includes educational content, activities, recipes, dog enrichment tools, treats, and collectibles. Themes are developed with veterinary and pet professionals to help children understand pets’ needs and build essential life skills.

Partnerships and Expansions

Pup O’Clock collaborates with Point Park University to involve students and graduates in animation, technology, web development, and creative arts. The company aims to expand the “League of Pups” animated series, offering creative opportunities for local talent.

Kickstarter Campaign

The company’s 2.0 Kickstarter campaign, running from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15, seeks to expand subscriptions, extend local student opportunities, and continue community support across Pittsburgh.

This article was prepared by reporter Gabby Sartori with AI support. Journalists ensured thorough review, editing, and publication integrity. For more information, visit cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.